Spiritual Direction Directory of Spiritual Directors University of Notre Dame 2012-2013
Spiritual Direction What is Spiritual Direction? Spiritual direction is time that is set aside to become aware of and to reflect upon God s presence in one s life. This is done with the help of a trained minister, who listens to others and enables them to discover how and where God is already working in their lives, while encouraging them to be open to where God might be calling them in the future. One s prayer life, relationships, and vocational discernment are the kinds of topics that may regularly be addressed in spiritual direction, but the experience is greatly defined by the relationship shared between the individual and the director. You and your director can determine when to meet and for how long, but typically sessions will last for about an hour and occur every two or three weeks. Many students from various backgrounds have benefited from having a spiritual director throughout their time at Notre Dame. We invite you to explore spiritual direction as a way to listen to God s voice in your own daily life, to grow in faith and to understand your self and your relationships more deeply.
How do I find a director who will suit my needs? Finding the right Spiritual Director for you is an important part of the Spirit Finding the right Spiritual Director for you is an important part of the Spiritual Direction process. Here are some suggestions to help you with your search: 1. First, ask yourself what needs the most attention in your spiritual life right now. Prayer life? Vocational discernment? Relationship or family issues? Integrating faith into your daily life? These are just some of the more common areas that are focused on during spiritual direction. 2. Next, WHO do you need right now? A priest? A sister? A layperson? 3. Once you narrowed that down, look over our list of spiritual directors. Read through their biographies and see which ones seem like a potential fit for you. 4. After you have chosen 1 or 2 (or maybe more) directors, e-mail them directly to set up an initial meeting. If they are on our list, they will not be surprised by your e-mail! And just because you reach out to them, does not mean you have to choose them. When you meet them, ask them about their approach to spiritual direction(each director brings their own unique style and method to it). They will also ask you questions about what you are looking for and get to know you a little bit. 5. GO FOR IT! After you meet them, choose one and set up your first OFFICIAL spiritual direction meeting. Sometimes it takes a little while to feel totally comfortable with one another. Good relationships take time and the building of trust so be patient. It will be worth it!! Spiritual Direction sessions usually occur once every 3-4 weeks for an hour. 6. If you need any further assistance in finding a spiritual director, please contact Tami Schmitz at Schmitz.8@nd.edu or Sr. Mary Lynch at Lynch.71@nd.edu. Spiritual Direction is one of the most important things you can do for yourself!! Paying attention to God with the help of a spiritual companion can make an important difference in all areas of your life!
Spiritual Directors at Notre Dame Rev. Thomas Blantz, CSC Rev. Joseph Carey, CSC Sr. Christine Connolly, OP Rev. Michael Connors, CSC Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC Sister Mary Donnelly, OP Rev. Paul Doyle, CSC Mary C. Gallagher Sr. Mary Jane Hahner, CSFN Sr. Mary Lynch, SSJ Sr. Denise Lyon, IHM Tami Schmitz
Rev. Thomas Blantz, CSC tblantz@nd.edu 574.631.5066 Fr. Tom took final vows with the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1956 and has been a professor in the Department of History since 1968. Fr. Tom has also served at Notre Dame as rector, assistant rector, confessor at the basilica, and priest in residence. He greatly enjoys sports, especially football and baseball, as well as stamp collecting. Originally from Massillon, Ohio, he comes from a family of three children, and his brother, James, is also a Holy Cross priest. Fr. Tom is available for one time or ongoing direction. Rev. Joseph Carey, CSC jcarey@nd.edu 574.631.5200 Fr. Joe holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting from ND and a Masters degree in Theology from the Washington, D.C Theology Union. He received his Spiritual Direction Certification from the Institute for Spirituality in Chicago. Fr. Joe serves as the Chaplain for the Alliance for Catholic Education. He resides in Pasquerilla West Hall. Fr. Joe has been a priest for 38 years and enjoys having conversations with others on campus, working out at Rolfs, and Rocco s pizza. Fr. Joe is available for one time or ongoing direction.
Rev. Michael Connors, CSC mconnors@nd.edu 574.631.3006 Father Mike holds an M.Div from the University of Notre Dame, and a Th.D. from Regis College, Toronto, in the area of pastoral theology with emphasis on spirituality and inculturation. He is former director of the M.Div program here at Notre Dame, and currently serves as director of the Marten Program in Homiletics in the Department of Theology. Fr. Mike resides in Carroll Hall and is available for occasional pastoral counseling or ongoing spiritual direction. Rev. Lou DelFra, CSC delfra.2@nd.edu 574.631.1798 Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC, is a Holy Cross priest who resides in Dillon Hall. He works in Campus Ministry, and also serves as a faculty member and chaplain for Notre Dame s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). Fr. Lou, a 92 graduate from Notre Dame, is originally from Philadelphia, and has also served as an Associate Pastor at Holy Redeemer Parish in Portland, OR.
Sister Chris has served as a Spiritual Director at Claret Center in Chicago, conducting retreats for college students, seminarians and young adults, while concurrently serving as Spiritual Director at the Loyola University Institute for Pastoral Studies. She is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Peace where she has served as Vocation Minister for her community. Sister Chris holds a Bachelors degree from Cardinal Cushing College. She has a Masters degree in Pastoral Ministry from Boston College and a Masters in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Sister Chris is the Rector of Welsh Family Hall and serves as one of the retreat directors for the silent retreats sponsored by Campus Ministry. Sister Chris is available for ongoing direction. Sr. Christine Connolly, OP cconnoll@nd.edu 574.631.8655 A Dominican Sister from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sister Mary has been involved in ministry to college-age adults for the past 17 years through working with the Campus Ministry department at Aquinas College. Most recently she served as the Director of Formation for her religious community and now serves as rector of Pangborn Hall. As a spiritual director I work hard to stay out of God s way, who is really the spiritual director. I listen, challenge, affirm, invite and above all trust that God is present in the conversation; and that the person will get to where he or she needs to be when they are ready. I remind the woman or man that the journey is as important as the destination - to stay present to the PRESENT and in doing so discover God s presence. Sr. Mary Donnelly, OP mdonnel6@nd.edu 57.631.7494
Fr. Paul holds a degree in Economics as well as a Masters of Divinity from the University of Notre Dame. He was ordained a Holy Cross priest in 1977 and has since served in nine parishes in the South Bend area. Fr. Paul has served as the religious superior of Corby Hall and is currently the rector of Dillon Hall. He has done formation work with seminarians in the past. Fr. Paul is originally from Virginia and is one of seven children. Fr. Paul is available for one time or ongoing direction. Fr. Paul Doyle, CSC pdoyle@nd.edu 574.631.7427 Sr. Mary Jane Hahner CSFN is a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She has a Bachelor s degree in Elementary Education from Holy Family University, Phila., PA; a Masters in Administration from Villanova University and a Masters of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Sr. MJ completed a one-year Spiritual Direction Internship at Claret Center in Chicago. Sister was an elementary school teacher and Principal, Community Treasurer, graduate student and Rector at the University of Notre Dame, beginning her second year. Sr. MJ enjoys reading, football, riding ATV s in the woods especially in the rain or snow, movies, dining with family and friends, and catching up with friends through letter writing. Sr. MJ is available for one time or ongoing direction. Sr. Mary Jane Hahner, CSFN Mhahner@nd.edu 574.631.5740
Mary C. Gallagher pilgrimmcg@gmail. com 574.220.0726 Mary Gallagher earned her Master s degree in Systematic Theology at Notre Dame and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Barry University in North Miami, Florida. Mary is a certified chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains and a trained spiritual director. Besides her experience as a nurse and chaplain in the hospital and in home health care, she brings the experience of being a wife and mother of seven adult children to the practice of spiritual direction. Since Mary lives within walking distance of the campus, she is easily accessible for those who would prefer someone off campus. Mary is available for one time or ongoing direction. Sr. Mary Lynch, SSJ mlynch5@nd.edu 574.631.8316 Sr. Mary has a Masters in Holistic Spirituality and Spiritual Direction from Chestnut Hill College in Pennsylvania as well as a Masters in Liturgical Studies from Notre Dame. Before coming to Notre Dame, she worked in campus ministry at North Carolina State University, the University of North Carolina, and Princeton University. She has also worked in formation of new sisters in her community, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelpia, PA. Sr. Mary currently serves as rector of McGlinn hall, offers spiritual direction, and directs summer retreats at her community s retreat center in New Jersey. Sr. Mary enjoys playing the piano, Sudoku puzzles, and reading a good book. Sr. Mary is available for ongoing spiritual direction.
Sr. Denise Lyon, IHM dlyon@nd.edu 574.631.3780 Sr. Denise holds a Masters degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling as well as Spiritual Direction Certification from Neumann University in Aston. She also holds a Masters in Theology/Spirituality/ Monastic Studies from St. Johns University in Collegeville, Minnesota. She is the rector of Badin Hall. Sr. Denise is available for ongoing spiritual direction. Tami Schmitz has a Bachelors degree in Sociology from St. Norbert College and a Masters in Pastoral Studies from the University of Loyola in Chicago. She received her certification for spiritual direction from Creighton University. Tami has worked in the Campus Ministry Department at the University of Notre Dame for 12 years. Currently she directs the RCIA process, co-directs the NDE Retreat, coordinates the Silent Directed Retreats, is an adjunct professor in the ACE Leadership Program, and is a grief group facilitator. In the past she has also taught high school and been involved with parish work. Tami enjoys running, biking, cross country skiing, the Amish culture, reading, Ireland, and traveling. Tami is available for one time or ongoing direction. Tami Schmitz schmitz.8@nd.edu 574.631.3016
Special Issues and Topics There may be times when you need guidance or support in dealing with a specific pastoral issue or concern. You may want to meet with someone just once or a few times to discuss the issue. The following Campus Ministers may be helpful resources for you. Please free to contact them directly: Relationships: John Dillon (Dillon.15@nd.edu) Sylvia Dillon (Dillon.14@nd.edu) John Paul Lichon (Jlichon@nd.edu) Tami Schmitz (Schmitz.8@nd.edu) Family Issues (divorce, addiction, health concerns): Judy Madden (jmadden2@nd.edu) Grief & Loss: Judy Madden (jmadden2@nd.edu) Tami Schmitz (Schmitz.8@nd.edu) Vocational Discernment: Sr. Mary Lynch, SSJ (Lynch.71@nd.edu) Fr. Pete McCormick, CSC (McCormick.23@nd.edu) Fr. Paul Doyle, CSC (Doyle.43@nd.edu) Scripture and Faith Sharing: Brett Perkins (Perkins.26@nd.edu) Questions on Specific Church Teachings: Brett Perkins (Perkins.26@nd.edu) Kate Barrett (Barrett.28@nd.edu) Fr. Peter Rocca. CSC (Rocca.1@nd.edu) Protestant Student Resources: Brett Perkins (Perkins.26@nd.edu)
Prayer for Discernment Walk with me, good and loving God, as I journey through life. May I take your hand and be led by your Holy Spirit. Fill me, inspire me, free me to respond generously to your call. For I believe you desire my deepest joy, and it is only in your company that my soul will be satisfied and my life will find its meaning and purpose. Amen.